Choosing an OCS route

January 27th, 2012, 09:27 PM

I'll be taking my trip to MEPS next week and I'm super excited!
I'm looking for a change of pace and a challenge that I know the Guard will provide. I'm 30yr old (female), and I currently teach full time. I already have a Master's degree, so I have decided to do OCS after BCT this summer. I would like to take a year off from teaching to get all of the training done in one shot - and I'm wondering if this is fully possible.
Can I do BCT this summer, OCS in the fall (I'm slated for the October start date as of now for Federal OCS), and complete BOLC-B soon after starting sometime in Jan/Feb? My branch is Engineer.

I am talking to a recruiter but sometimes I feel that I have more questions when I research this stuff in the evenings! Any insight would be appreciated!!
I just like to know what I'm getting myself into (especially to combat all of my friends who think that I'm crazy ... )
Thanks~

Possible yes, but extremely doubtful. Here is the math,
BCT - 2 months
OCS - 3 months (Federal)
OBC - 5 months (Engineer)
With no interruptions, yes it can be done, but be prepared to have to wait between courses.

Comment

I'll be taking my trip to MEPS next week and I'm super excited!
I'm looking for a change of pace and a challenge that I know the Guard will provide. I'm 30yr old (female), and I currently teach full time. I already have a Master's degree, so I have decided to do OCS after BCT this summer. I would like to take a year off from teaching to get all of the training done in one shot - and I'm wondering if this is fully possible.
Can I do BCT this summer, OCS in the fall (I'm slated for the October start date as of now for Federal OCS), and complete BOLC-B soon after starting sometime in Jan/Feb? My branch is Engineer.

I am talking to a recruiter but sometimes I feel that I have more questions when I research this stuff in the evenings! Any insight would be appreciated!!
I just like to know what I'm getting myself into (especially to combat all of my friends who think that I'm crazy ... )
Thanks~

Comment

Have you considered the OCS enlistment program? Since you already have a Master's degree, you meet the education requirements, and could bypass BCT altogether. Ask your recruiter about this! This might be another option for you and would save you some time being away for training.

With FE starting his usual antics, I have a reasonable fear that this thread will devolve away from the information the OP is looking for.

That being said, RyCass, could you please provide regulatory information about Army/NG OCS without attendance to BCT? The current O9S enlistment option requires completion of Basic Training prior to OCS attendance. I am not familiar with any basic branch commission (outside of a service academy or ROTC) that allows the bypassing of BCT.

Comment

Nooooo, you can't go OCS until you're enlisted as in you have JOINED the NG! You do not have to be 'Enlisted'

SMH!

To clarify, O9S do indeed enlist. Commissioning is only contigent upon completion of OCS. If OCS is not successfully completed O9S are either removed from service or attend an enlisted AIT to complete their service obligation.

Comment

With FE starting his usual antics, I have a reasonable fear that this thread will devolve away from the information the OP is looking for.

That being said, RyCass, could you please provide regulatory information about Army/NG OCS without attendance to BCT? The current O9S enlistment option requires completion of Basic Training prior to OCS attendance. I am not familiar with any basic branch commission (outside of a service academy or ROTC) that allows the bypassing of BCT.

I stand corrected! Per the Accession Enlistment Criteria (FY12/13) Chapter 9, Section 2H clearly states that as of April 2011 both Non-Prior Service and Prior Service applicants that have not completed BCT, must do so before enlisting under the O9S, or OCS enlistment program. They must also choose three MOS' in case OCS is not successfully completed.

Comment

I stand corrected! Per the Accession Enlistment Criteria (FY12/13) Chapter 9, Section 2H clearly states that as of April 2011 both Non-Prior Service and Prior Service applicants that have not completed BCT, must do so before enlisting under the O9S, or OCS enlistment program. They must also choose three MOS' in case OCS is not successfully completed.

Thank you for the clarification.

Comment

To clarify, O9S do indeed enlist. Commissioning is only contigent upon completion of OCS. If OCS is not successfully completed O9S are either removed from service or attend an enlisted AIT to complete their service obligation.

ALL I meant was that FE has to be in the military, as in taken his oath, before he can go to OCS, regardless of his route.

My point was that he needed to just focus on MEPS and getting in....that is all.